Physics is concerned with the nature, properties and understanding of matter and energy in the universe. The primary method of testing whether physical theories are correct is through comparison of theoretical predictions with measurements of physical properties. Indeed, it could be said that the pursuit of ever more accurate and precise measurements is the bedrock of modern physics. The Physics Advanced Laboratory course will consist of lectures, smaller laboratory experiments, computational exercises, and, most importantly, the design and performance of complex, open-ended experiments using high-end equipment in real research laboratories, such as high precision lasers and a 15MV electrostatic tandem accelerator. The course is designed to develop the essential scientific and laboratory techniques required by experimental physicists, as well as oral and written communication skills, self-reliance, trouble-shooting abilities and a sophisticated understanding of measurement uncertainty.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Understand and be able to apply a broad range of measurement methods and techniques that are widely used in physics experiments;
- Understand the importance of noise and statistical uncertainties in measurements of physical processes;
- Design experiments and be able to make appropriate choices of measurement techniques and equipment;
- Apply high-level computational and statistical techniques to datasets, including complex uncertainty analysis and model testing;
- Communicate effectively in both oral and written formats.
Other Information
Specific Skills Learned:
- Mathematical: Statistics, Monte Carlo methods, Fourier analysis Computational: Computer control, data manipulation, data visualisation, model/curve fitting. A variety of computer languages will be used, with a focus on Python and Mathematica.
- Experimental: Experimental design and techniques.
- Communication: Written lab reports, oral presentations, oral exam.
Indicative Assessment
- Laboratory Skills Assignment (15) [LO 1,2,4]
- Electronics Oral/Practical Exam (15) [LO 1,3,5]
- Major Laboratory One - Mixed assessment that may include draft report, final report, oral presentation, quiz etc (30) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Major Laboratory Two - Mixed assessment that may include draft report, final report, oral presentation, quiz etc (30) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Logbook (10) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
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Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of either one or two 3 hour workshops per week. Two three hour workshops are scheduled each week and both may be used in the weeks where labs are running (~30 hours in labs across 5 weeks), while only one session may be used in other weeks (~21 hours across the other 7 weeks)
- Approximately 70 hours of self-directed study which will include preparation for workshops, report writing and other assessment tasks.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this course.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
N/A
Preliminary Reading
There is no prescribed text book, but the following books are recommended as references: “Building Scientific Apparatus” J.H. Moore, C.C. Davies, Michael Coplan and S. Greer (Cambridge University Press), “Radiation Detection and Measurement 4th edition” G.F. Knoll (Wiley US), “Numerical Recipes 3rd edition: The Art of Scientific Computing” H. William et al. (Cambridge University Press),Assumed Knowledge
Since this course will focus on experimental skills and techniques, as well as data analysis and interpretation, much of the background physics will be assumed. Hence, completion of all the core second year physics courses is highly desirable. Dealing with large data sets and sophisticated data analysis methods involves programming and computer-based analysis. While a basic knowledge of programming and computational skills is advised, part of the purpose of the course is to develop these skills.Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4680 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $6720 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2632 | 17 Feb 2025 | 24 Feb 2025 | 31 Mar 2025 | 23 May 2025 | In Person | View |
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7615 | 21 Jul 2025 | 28 Jul 2025 | 31 Aug 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | In Person | N/A |